Parami student's project wins first runner-up at ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2026

A personal experience in a rural Myanmar community inspired Parami University student Htet Myat Phone Naing to explore how data and technology could help address maternal health challenges. Together with his teammate, Wai Hin Pe from Thammasat University, he developed MOMSHIELD, a digital platform designed to support the early detection of pregnancy-related health risks. Their project, under the team name Data Cracker, earned First Runner-Up at the Myanmar National Rounds of ASEAN Data Science Explorers 2026.

A senior student majoring in Statistics and Data Science at Parami University, Htet Myat Phone Naing, represented Myanmar alongside Wai Hin Pe, who studies Global Studies and Social Entrepreneurship at Thammasat University. Bringing together their different academic backgrounds, the two students shared a common interest in applying data and technology to real-world challenges.

Turning a personal experience into a purposeful projec

MOMSHIELD was inspired by Htet Myat Phone Naing's volunteering experience in a remote rural area of Myanmar. During his time there, he witnessed a pregnant woman lose her life because medical assistance arrived too late. The experience exposed him to the challenges rural communities face, including limited access to healthcare facilities, low health awareness, and shortages of medical professionals.

The experience left him with an important question: “Can data help mothers recognize health risks before it is too late?”

This question became the foundation of MOMSHIELD, a mobile-first digital platform designed to help pregnant mothers monitor their health, recognize potential warning signs, and access healthcare services when needed.

Using data to understand maternal health challenges

To understand the scale of maternal health challenges across Southeast Asia, the team gathered information from sources including the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), and The Global Economy.

Using SAP Analytics Cloud, Htet Myat Phone Naing analyzed the data and identified several important findings. Their analysis showed that Southeast Asia experiences approximately 10 million pregnancies annually. Looking at maternal health data from 2013 to 2023, the team found that postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounted for nearly 48% of major maternal deaths, while hypertensive disorders accounted for another 38%.

These findings helped the team recognize the importance of moving beyond emergency response toward earlier identification of potential health risks.

The team's approach also reflected lessons from their previous ADSE experience. In 2025, Team Data Crackers reached the Top 10 National Finalists with a project focused on postpartum hemorrhage. In their second competition, they broadened their approach to address maternal health risks through prevention and early awareness.

Introducing MOMSHIELD: Making early health monitoring more accessible

MOMSHIELD aims to turn everyday health checks into opportunities for early action through three main features.

First, its daily health monitoring system allows pregnant mothers to record baby activity, check symptoms, enter vital signs such as blood pressure and weight, update medical records, and review daily health summaries.

Second, its risk alert and healthcare search features flag potential warning signs, such as severe headaches, blurred vision, upper abdominal pain, and decreased fetal movement. The platform also helps users locate nearby hospitals and obstetric triage services.

Finally, MOMSHIELD organizes patients' medical information into an exportable digital health passport, helping healthcare professionals access relevant patient histories when providing care.

The project aligns with three United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Readers can explore the MOMSHIELD testing prototype to see how the team envisions making maternal health monitoring more accessible.

Combining technical skills with empathy

For Htet Myat Phone Naing, participating in ADSE was a chance to apply what he learned at university to challenges beyond the classroom. From analyzing datasets and developing the project concept to presenting their solution, the competition offered valuable opportunities to strengthen his technical and communication skills.

Reflecting on the experience, he shared that data science goes beyond code, algorithms, and dashboards. It is ultimately about people and how technical knowledge can be combined with empathy to develop solutions that address real needs.

Through MOMSHIELD, Team Data Crackers demonstrates how students from different academic backgrounds can work together to explore meaningful solutions to challenges affecting communities across Southeast Asia.

Their journey from a personal experience in rural Myanmar to regional recognition highlights the potential of applying academic knowledge to create positive social impact.